Tiny cancer victim Imogin Appiah is back in hospital this week as she goes through another intense round of chemotherapy.

The youngster's chances of survival depend on a suitable bone marrow donor coming forward, but so far all her hopes have been met with disappointment.

This week a charity campaigning on her behalf announced that two bone marrow registration drives will be held in Croydon's Whitgift Centre later this month in a desperate bid to help her and others like her.

Croydon Council has stepped up to the mark as well, offering to host an event in Taberner House some time this summer in the hope of finding a suitable donor.

It comes after parents at Imogin's school, Elmwood Infants, in Broad Green, were accused of turning their backs on the youngster after just 42 registered at a drive there.

But the headteacher at Elmwood has defended them.

Julie Harris said: "There were a number of other adults who offered to donate but were sent away as they didn't meet the criteria.

"Ten members of staff donated and at least three others offered but were either too old or didn't meet the weight and height criteria.

"Some parents also attended the drive but didn't meet the criteria and others told me that they did not come as they had attended other drives and given blood there.

"We all care about Imogin and spent a lot of time promoting the drive and asking other schools, churches and community groups to also advertise the drive to try to secure a match for Imogin."

Also supporting Imogin, of Aurelia Road, Croydon, will be the newly- formed Black Churches of Croydon, which plans to use a three-day launch event at the Fairfield Halls next weekend (May 22 to May 24) to raise awareness of her plight.

The registration drives will be held on Thursday and Friday May 28 and 29 between 2.30pm and 7.30pm in the Whitgift Centre opposite Allders.